a l i v e & a w a k e

So I decided to take a short walk into the bush tonight to let my dog Maggie burn off some nervous Border Collie energy. From the house, the forest was pitch black and somewhat daunting. But being the brave soul that I am, I headed off anyways. I could have spent the entire walk nervous at the unknown around me. I easily could have let my mind invent all kinds of evil and terrible creatures slinking in the deep shadows. But instead I embraced my surroundings. In a couple of minutes something very cool happened (although not overly profound). My eyes began to adjust to the low light conditions, and combined with the reflective quality of the snow, I soon was able to see most things around me. It was like I acquired a new sense of vision. The forest became alive in a new way, and the journey was enjoyable.

So here's the lesson I learned. There are times when "bad" things happen. From an outside appearance, they seem pitch black and intimidating; and the natural reaction is fear. However, there are so many stories of people who have gone through incredible tragedy, pain and trouble, and yet despite their problems, are able to see their way through it. It's as if you have an innate sense of vision that is accessible only during difficult times. What I learned tonight is to learn to embrace times where things are darkened and unknown. It is when you do this that there is opportunity to see difficult times through another set of eyes.

Jon